Online Lexicon

A degree conferred following the successful completion of a university examination, e.g. Bachelor, Diplom, Doctor, Magister Artium, Master's Degree.

The term "cum tempore" (c.t.) indicates that a course will not start at the designated time, but 15 minutes later.

Universities have their new Bachelor and Master's degree programs reviewed by special accreditation agencies. Degree programs that can establish by this review that they maintain certain minimum standards are "accredited," and are thereby conferred a sort of seal of quality. As there are currently many new degree programs being established, it requires a relatively long time before the accreditation process has been completed. A not yet completed accreditation process is therefore not an indication of poor quality; the University of Potsdam possesses the seal of system accreditation.

A decision made according to the specified admissions procedure, whereby an applicant is accepted to study (at a university or "Hochschulstart"); admission is therefore the justification of a claim to a particular admission slot, but only after the granting of admission and subsequent enrollment (registering at the university), and is the procedurally regulated implementation of this claim.

The Alumni Program is open to all former students, doctoral candidates, and visiting scholars, as well as university employees, and aims to foster contacts with the university and with each other, creating a link between theory and practice. Further information can be found on the Alumni Program website.

This refers to the appointment to a professorship, as well as the appointment to positions on commissions or similar bodies.

Associations for Student Affairs are bodies governed by public law and are independent of the university; they perform a variety of tasks, such as promoting student grant programs and providing social safeguards for students: student affairs associations offer advice on questions regarding financial aid through BAföG, administer the student dormitories, and are responsible for the maintenance of the university commons and cafeterias; in addition, they offer advisory services on various topics: including psychotherapeutic and social counselling; further information can be found under www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de

Refers to those who are not members or students of the university, yet who have attended individual courses after receiving application approval; proof of additional qualifications or a higher education entrance qualification is not required; auditors are not entitled to take examinations; an application, which also includes the permission of the person conducting the course, must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs; a fee is usually charged; individuals serving in the military or performing civil service who possess a higher education entrance qualification, as well as prospective students seeking admission without the German High School Leaving Certificate (Abitur) are exempt from the payment of fees; the relevant rules can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

BAföG is the German abbreviation for the Federal Education and Trainings Assistance Act. It governs the level of individual financial support for students. The term is also commonly used to refer to the amount of money one receives in accordance with the act. Applications for financial aid can also be made for studies and traineeships abroad. In principle, funding supplied by BAföG is dependant on income and assets, whereby one's own income, that of one's parents or spouse, as well as existing assets are relevant to the calculation. The maximum period of assistance is governed by the standard time for completing a degree program. BAföG is paid half in the form of a grant and half as an interest-free loan, and there are many exemption possibilities for paying back the loan. Important to note is that the BAföG Office automatically pays every semester from the time of initial enrollment as a "funded" semester, even in cases where there was no application for BAföG. Detailed information is provided by the BAföG Office of the Association for Student Affairs. All pertinent information concerning BAfög can be found on the Internet under www.das-neue-bafoeg.de.

A course that does not take place over the time-frame of a semester, but rather in the concentrated form of a block (e.g. block training during the semester break, as well as during the normal class period, such as over a weekend).

Within the framework of the European-wide Bologna Process, German universities have gradually adapted most of their degree programs to meet the requirements of the declared goal of developing a competitive common European Higher Education Area. This resulted in the creation of a multi-tiered (consecutive) structure of university degrees (i.e. Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programs, doctorate program) and the introduction of study programs consisting of modules as well as a system of credit points.

An association of universities in the Federal State of Brandenburg formed in order to represent their interests vis-à-vis other federal states and university policies.

The cafeteria is open to students, lecturers, and other staff of the university and is operated by the Association for Student Affairs.

(Latin abbreviation for candidatus, candidate) - A term referring to an advanced semester student preparing for or taking his or her final examinations. It can be connected with the student's name prefixed to the abbreviation of his or her faculty, e.g. cand. jur., cand. phil., etc.

A facility of the university that provides, among other things, advisory services to prospective students, beginning students, and students in general with respect to academic opportunities, the structure and demands of degree programs, changing universities, changing disciplines, etc.; in addition to general student advisory services, psychological counselling is also offered. To find out more, click on this link.

Change of Degree Program or Module; the Office of Student Affairs must be notified of a change of academic discipline during the re-registration period; in accordance with the regulations of financial aid (BAföG), a change of academic discipline takes place when a student chooses a new degree objective in another discipline and the semesters attended in the first degree program cannot be fully accredited to the newly begun degree program (shift of emphasis); this frequently has consequences for public funding; further financial aid with the permission of the BAföG Office may be required. The BAföG Office usually accepts a change of discipline within the first two to three semesters on the grounds that a student has experienced a shift in preferences. Also see Student Program Change.

Occurs when the previously intended degree (e.g. from Diploma to Bachelor), the chosen discipline, or the degree and subject is changed; it is frequently synonymous with change of discipline, when the student wishes to change academic disciplines.

PUCK is the Potsdam University Chip Card, which simultaneously functions as a student ID, semester ticket for public transportation, university library card, copying and printing card, and a means of payment at the commons and cafeterias of the Potsdam Association for Student Affairs.

For more information, see the PUCK website.

An event format in which discussions take place on a particular topic in order to promote the exchange of scientific experiences and results; representatives of other institutions are frequently invited to address special research topics at such events and to head the colloquium.

Students with specific needs (e.g. disabilities and chronic illnesses, pregnancy, care-giving and nursing obligations) can apply for compensation for disadvantages relating to the completion of studies and examinations; authorization is given by the responsible Examining Board; information and application.

The regulations on compensation for disadvantages for other reasons can be found in the degree-specific regulations or the General Regulations for Bachelor and Master's Degree Programs at the University of Potsdam.

A course is referred to as compulsory elective when it can be chosen from a limited number of courses on offer; attendance to the chosen course is compulsory, the choice, however, is facultative.

Consecutive (successive both in terms of schedule and content) Bachelor's and Master's programs are degree programs that build upon each other as regards content; the consecutively designed Bachelor's and Master's programs may not exceed the maximum five year time frame designated by the standard period of study; degree programs can also be completed successively at different universities or types of institutions of higher education and even after a phase of professional activity between the first and second degree; in the case of consecutive degrees, the Master's Degree entails either a deeper specialization within the chosen field of study or an interdisciplinary further academic qualification; Master's Degrees should be distinguished by either being research-oriented or application-related; in addition there are post-graduate Master’s Degree programs that require a minimum of one year professional practice.

Credit points are a quantitative measure of the work required by the student. One CP is allocated for an estimated student workload of 25 to 35 hours of in-class and independent study time. The credit point thereby represents achieved learning performance; it is a kind of bonus point that is credited to the student's personal point account at the end of a semester for the successful participation in a course (module); in order to earn a degree in a subject, the student must have attained a certain number (determined by subject-specific regulations) of such credit points in his or her point account; the term credit point represents a decoupling from an organization unit defined by hours per week, which reflects the teaching workload of a course; the stress now lies on the learning workload for the student.

(Latin for "with distinction") - The third-best grade by the evaluation of a doctoral examination and corresponds to the grade of "good".

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a self-governing organization of higher education institutions in Germany; its aim is to promote academic relations between German and foreign institutions of higher learning and the exchange of students, faculty, and researchers; it is the scholarship provider for studies and traineeships abroad. You can also visit the website of the German Academic Exchange Service.

The Faculty Council selects the Dean of Studies out of a group of university instructors based on a recommendation from the students and in agreement with the Dean; the Dean of Studies chairs the permanent Faculty Commission for Teaching and Studies; in particular, the Dean of Studies supports the Dean in the organisation of studies and examinations, the coordination of study and teaching, as well as in ensuring the range of courses on offer, which is necessary to comply with degree regulations.

The regulations, which are generally made public by the responsible government ministry, that govern the content and structure of degrees in accordance with the examination regulations, e.g. in terms of scope, segments of study, whether a course event is compulsory, compulsory elective, or optional, internships, choice of focus, minor subjects, etc.

Entails removing the name of a student from the university immatriculation list, either upon application or by being officially de-registered, thereby extinguishing membership in the University of Potsdam; the rules can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

This is a document issued by the university that explains the qualification profiles indicated by the degree description, which can be attached to the degree certificate; it includes information on the admission requirements of the completed degree program, on the length of time required to complete the program, on completed course contents, the plan of studies, the academic and professional qualifications acquired with the completion of the degree, and the level of qualification within the national system of higher education.

A written work submitted within the framework of a doctorate, which demonstrates the candidate's capacity for independent scholarly work and the presentation of new scientific research results.

A possible form of studies for university and polytechnic university graduates, who meet the admission prerequisites of a doctoral candidate as per regulations for doctoral degrees by the respective faculty; the regulations can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

Refers to a simultaneous enrollment in two different degree programs at the University of Potsdam. For the regulations concerning a dual degree program, see the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is a system oriented towards students. It is based on the workload that students must complete in order to reach the goals of a learning program. These goals are preferably determined in the form of learning results and skills to be acquired during study. Also see Credit Points.

1. Enrollment of a student in the university list (immatriculation); the rules can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam; the student thereby becomes a member of the university.
2. Registering in courses - To be entered on the lists of the areas/subjects for courses offered (online or on paper lists).

An EU program active in the area of higher education. Students wishing to study abroad with ERASMUS+ should attend one of the information events of the International Office and also seek early advice from the International Office; they should also contact the ERASMUS coordinator of the relevant institute in a timely manner.

This is a course form in which theoretical knowledge is applied to practical examples or specific praxis-related problems; exercises can also serve to develop language skills.

Basic organizational unit of the university for teaching and research; includes related or neighboring fields of study; the head of the faculty is the dean; the University of Potsdam is structured in seven faculties:

• Department of Sports and Health Sciences
• Digital Engineering Faculty,
• Law Faculty,
• Faculty of Arts,
• Human Sciences Faculty,
• Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences,
• Faculty of Science.

(commilito - Latin for companion, colleague) - Fellow students

Refers to foreign and stateless university applicants or students, who have obtained their university entrance qualification in the Federal Republic of Germany or at a German school abroad.

Refers to a certificate of language skills in ancient Greek acquired in the relevant language courses.

Academic proceedings relating to a post-doctoral dissertation thesis and its oral defense; it serves to demonstrate the candidate's ability to independently teach and conduct research in a scientific field; a doctorate degree is usually the precondition for a habilitation; the qualification of habilitation is usually a prerequisite to being appointed as a professor; those with post-doctoral qualifications can use the academic title of "Privatdozent" (private lecturer) after being issued an authorization to teach (venia legendi).

Honoris causa (Latin for "the sake of the honor") - A faculty can award the title Dr. h. c. to individuals on the basis of special achievements, even if they had not studied or earned a doctorate.

Common service provider for the University of Potsdam, the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam, and the Konrad Wolf Film University in Babelsberg entrusted with the tasks of service and maintenance as well as property management.

Also known by its German abbreviation (SWS); indicates the number of (academic) hours (usually 45 minutes) per week of a course during the normal class period during a semester, e.g. 1 SWS indicates that a course is given for one hour (45 minutes) per week during the course period of a semester (usually 15 weeks); this means that when a student attends a two-hour long course for one semester, two hours per week (SWS) will have been completed.

A voluntary association of universities in the German Federal Republic; the member universities cooperate in the performance of tasks concerning research, teaching, study, and self-administration; information can be found under  www.hrk.de.

Refers to forms of independent preparation and acquisition of course content.

An institution of the University of Potsdam responsible for dealing with questions on studies and traineeships abroad as well as for the supervision of full-time international and exchange students. Further information can be found on the website of the International Office.

A seminar offered during basic studies or the first segment of a degree that is usually taken after attending an introductory lecture (or, if necessary, a basic course); it conveys foundational knowledge, offers discussion on various approaches to research in a subject area, and teaches general methods of academic work; students are required to actively contribute to the seminar (i.e. by holding an in-class presentation on a particular subject and subsequently submitting a written work on that subject).

A professor, who after completing university studies and possessing a demonstrated pedagogical aptitude and a special ability for scientific work (typically documented by a dissertation project of outstanding quality), is appointed even without a previous post-doctoral degree; the period of a junior professorship is limited - please refer to the BbgHG.

These are general abilities that can be acquired; they are useful in solving problems and for learning new competences in a great many areas. They include social competence, methodological competence, and subject competences/key competences that are not bound to applications in one particular discipline; there are 30 credit points to be earned in this area in all two-subject Bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Potsdam. Interdisciplinary key competences are organized in Studiumplus at the University of Potsdam.

A leave of absence can be granted by the Student Administration Center/ Office of Student Affairs if the student provides a justified written application, generally submitted with re-registration for the next semester. The regulations can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam. Relevant information can also be found in the contribution rules for the Potsdam Association for Student Affairs or be viewed here.

A course format in which a professor presents a lecture consisting of a certain quantity of subject material and read from a manuscript before an unlimited-sized audience; this means that the students in attendance are meant to listen, follow the train of thought, and take notes on the lecture, which is why lectures require intensive preparation and follow-up work; the lecture can be combined with a discussion, although this is usually the exception; interposed questions are possible, although, generally speaking, not customary.

A typically interdisciplinary event series on specific topics with various lecturers.

(Latin for "with great distinction") - The second-best grade by the evaluation of a doctoral examination and corresponds to the grade of "very good".

The list that consists of the names of the students of a university; the registration number, which is indicated on the student ID upon enrollment, is the serial number in this list.

The German abbreviation for the Brandenburg Ministry for Education, Youth and Sport.

Refers to a simultaneous enrollment in different academic institutions of the states of Berlin and Brandenburg under certain conditions; the regulations can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam; the University of Potsdam has established the necessary requirements for multiple enrollment even for bachelor degree programs. Whether a multiple enrollment is in fact possible depends on the decisions of Berlin universities.

The abbreviation for numerus clausus (Latin for "limited number"); refers to  the numerical limitation of slots within a particular degree program; admission restrictions are always introduced when the number of applicants are invariably greater than there are available slots in the program; the selection of applicants is made by means of an admission procedure; the limits of N.C. (selection limits) are not set in advance, but rather only emerge with the results of the procedure - independent of how many applicants with various qualifications compete for the program slots; the results of the procedure from previous semesters can provide certain indications, yet there is fundamentally no way of providing serious prognoses concerning future selection limits; the term "N.C." is commonly used to refer to "admission restrictions."

A collective term referring to academics that are not professors, e.g. research associates, research assistants, senior assistants, etc.

Refers to 1. the Office of the Dean, 2. the office rooms of the dean, or 3. the  dean's term of office.

Courses are designated as optional when attendance by students is completely voluntary; there are no tests on course contents; these courses can be chosen according to one's personal inclinations and should therefore be considered only after all other courses have been fitted into one's schedule.

Online self-assessment tests offer potential students the opportunity to review their own abilities, talents, and interests in terms of their intended degree program.

An online test can be freely taken for the following degree programs:

• Nutrition Sciences (single-subject Bachelor’s Degree)
• French (Bachelor's Degree Subject related to Teacher Certification)
• French Philology (dual-subject Bachelor’s Degree)
• Italian Philology (dual-subject Bachelor’s Degree)
• Law (single-subject Bachelor’s Degree & First State Examination in Law)
• Spanish (Bachelor's Degree Subject related to Teacher Certification)
• Spanish Philology (dual-subject Bachelor’s Degree)

More information can be found here.

A form of studies in which a student, who is enrolled at another university that falls within the scope of the laws of the German federal states, is simultaneously enrolled in another degree program at the University of Potsdam; it is only possible in very special cases and requires an application submission; applicable regulations can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

From the French "plagiare" meaning "theft of intellectual property" - Takes place when someone else's intellectual achievements are presented as one's own, i.e. through the adoption, paraphrasing, or translation of someone else's thoughts or formulations without citing sources; plagiarism constitutes an attempt at deception according to the framework regulations for the Bachelor and Master’s degree programs at the University of Potsdam. As one of the guidelines in protecting intellectual property, the ban on plagiarism is one of the academic norms.

The representative of the university elected by the academic board and appointed by the member of the Brandenburg state government responsible for institutions of higher education; the current President of the University of Potsdam is Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. Together with the Vice President and the Chancellor, he presides over the University of Potsdam. He works towards the further development of the university and raising its profile in terms of teaching and research; he represents the university to the outside world.  The presidential executive committee is formed to provide support to the President; at the University of Potsdam, this committee consists of the President, the Vice President, the Deans, and the Chancellor.

A professor independently fulfills the responsibilities of the university in the areas of science and art as well as in research and teaching in his or her discipline according to the detailed drafting of his or her employment contract; a professor participates in study reform, student advisory services, and state exams, holds university examinations, promotes the transfer of knowledge and technology, and contributes to the administration of the university (see BbgHG).

A critical assessment of a state of affairs/problem on the basis of theoretical knowledge.

PUCK is the Potsdam University Chip Card, which simultaneously functions as a student ID, semester ticket for public transportation, university library card, copying and printing card, and a means of payment at the commons and cafeterias of the Potsdam Association for Student Affairs. Further information can be found here.

Refers to the certificate of language skills in Latin acquired in the relevant language courses; in some German federal states this is sub-divided into intermediate Latin and advanced Latin proficiency; in the state of Brandenburg, a student's qualification in Latin is accredited with a certificate in Latin.

A process by which a student declares the desire to maintain the right to be enrolled for the following semester; it takes place at the end of the semester (15.01.-15.02. for the Summer Semester, 15.06.-15.07. for the Winter Semester) for the semester immediately following; should a student fail to apply for Re-registration, this results (following due notice) in de-registration; the regulations can be found in the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

The retirement of a professor; a retired professor holds the title of "Emeritus"; emeritus professors are not required to teach courses, but can offer courses if they wish.

A sum of money that can be used to finance one's studies; the largest scholarship providers are civic foundations and organizations or those linked to political parties.

This is an allocation procedure for admission slots applied when there are more applicants for a degree program than there are available openings. Restricted admission is therefore imposed on these degree programs. The selection procedure is applied by the university or the service center for university admissions (hochschulstart).

The criteria that specifically applies for the university selection procedure are the following: the degree of qualification (grade point average on the school leaving certificate); weighted individual grades on the school leaving certificate that provide information on degree-specific aptitude; results of a degree-specific aptitude test or the results of a selection interview, which could provide information on the purpose for pursuing the selected degree program and the relationship to the aspired profession, as well as avoid any misconceptions concerning the program; or a combination of these criteria.  The selection for degree programs that require direct application to the University of Potsdam is made by the Office of Student Affairs. Here, as well, admission slots are first allocated to certain groups of applicants (foreigners, hardship applications, second degree, etc.). 80% of the remaining places to study will be allocated according to the university selection procedure and 20% according to the waiting time ranking list. Currently, selections are made according to grade point average within the framework of the admission allocation procedure (exception: IT Systems Engineering). Due to possible changes, you should also seek advice at the Central Student Advisory Service.

A personal public transportation ticket for students, the price of which is included in the enrollment or re-registration fees; the current semester ticket is valid for one semester within the tariff area of the public transport system of Berlin and Brandenburg (VBB) (for additional information see VBB Semester Ticket Contract).

(From the Latin "sine tempore" for without time) - An abbreviation used in course announcements to indicate that the class begins punctually at the given time, as opposed to c.t.; for example, 17:00 s.t. indicates that the class begins at 17:00 sharp.

Conference of the Ministers of Education (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany) - a voluntary working group consisting of the state ministers of culture; further information can be found under www.kmk.org.

Designation for a degree program that is undertaken during the waiting period until admission is granted to a restricted admission degree program; the duration of the stopgap studies is not counted as part of the waiting period.

These are students who are paid to work in institutions of higher education where they carry out archival, office, and documentation work or also scholarly work.

see PUCK.

The content and organization of university studies are governed by the respective subject-specific regulations for each discipline, which are based on the applicable general regulations. These documents govern in particular the regulations for examinations, such as examination deadlines, the number and form of the examinations that must be passed, and their requirements (the performance monitoring process).

Foreign language skill documentation, combination possibilities, standard time for completing a degree, and the form of academic and examination performance are articulated in the subject-specific regulations. A sample degree progress plan is typically provided so that you can see how your studies could be structured within a standard period of study.

(Latin for "with the highest distinction") - The best grade by the evaluation of a doctoral examination and corresponds to the grade of "with distinction".

Abbreviation for "To Be Announced" - Indicates that the name is not yet known; written in the course catalog when it is not yet certain who will conduct the course or occupy a vacant position.

The total number of semesters in which a student was enrolled at one or more universities (in Germany); leave of absence semesters are included in the total number of semesters.

(From the Latin "tutor" meaning guardian, protector) - Someone who supervises or guides students; usually students who are in the later semesters of their studies.

A voluntary sports program open to all members of the university; the main focus is on popular sports, yet it also includes competitive sports; the sports program offers a flexible schedule to meet the special requirements of those studying and working at the university; the university athletic department fosters communication and integration among its participants; its activities serve to maintain health and one's capacity for learning; also see University Athletic Department.

The UB of the University of Potsdam provides students, instructors, and researchers from all disciplines with literature and other information resources; at each of the three university campuses there is a branch library with book and periodical holdings that correspond to the particular disciplinary focus; the UB maintains holdings of around 1.2 million volumes, approximately 2800 printed periodicals and 15,600 electronic periodicals, as well as some 330,000 e-books; in order to enjoy borrowing rights, every student must register at the library with a personal identification document and student ID (PUCK); further information can be found on the homepage of the UB.

Representative of the Dean; a professor, who is a member of the Faculty Council, appointed to the position of Vice-Dean by the Faculty Council based on the recommendation of the President.

These are students enrolled at other universities who have applied for permission to attend courses, in particular, courses in their discipline; they can earn credits and, under certain conditions, can complete examinations; for regulations, see Section 9 of the Registration Regulations of the University of Potsdam.

The time during which an applicant was enrolled abroad after acquiring a higher education entrance qualification; calculated in half years; additional time can be credited under certain conditions; stopgap studies are not considered as a waiting period.

Zessko offers language courses for students taking philological degrees as well as for students and scholars who would like to learn foreign languages as a key competence.

In the focus area of the structured introductory study phase, teaching and learning opportunities make it easier for German and international students to start their university studies, especially in the field of basic academic skills.

The ability to manage one’s own learning processes become increasingly important for navigating complex plans of study as well as for lifelong learning. Zessko supports this in the self-study focus area.

Zessko is divided into the following divisions, which follow the focus areas:

• Languages division

• Introductory Study Phase division

• Self-study division

as well as in the StudiumPlus course committee office, which supports the work of the course committee. Visit the Zessko website.